Marcia L. Bosseler, a teacher at Palmetto Elementary School, recently received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, the nation’s highest honor for teachers in elementary and secondary schools.

Bosseler was one of 208 teachers selected nationwide, and one of only four from Florida. She and the other winning teachers earned an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, DC, to receive their award which was presented at the National Academy of Sciences. The award also includes a $7,500 grant from the National Science Foundation for each recipient to use toward math and science education.

While in Washington, Bosseler and the other Florida award winners met with U.S. Senators Bob Graham and Connie Mack (both from Florida), and were invited to dinner at the State Department. Unfortunately, they did not get a chance to meet with President Bill Clinton due to the intensity of the Kosovo conflict at that time.

However, upon her return to Pinecrest, Bosseler was surprised with another special award. Commissioner Katy Sorenson presented her with an official proclamation declaring June 17, 1999, "Marcia L. Bosseler Day."

"That was such a surprise. But really, all this has been overwhelming. There are so many outstanding educators in my profession. I’m still humbled to have been selected," Bosseler said. "I’m honored and thrilled to have been chosen for this very special award."

Bosseler has been teaching at Palmetto Elementary School for more than 20 years. She specializes in teaching gifted students, grades K-3, and is constantly seeking new methods and new challenges to help educate her students.

"There is a new paradigm in education where students are involved in their learning, and teachers are no longer the ‘sage on the stage,’" she explained. "We, as teachers, must participate in their learning process, and encourage them to be lifelong learners.

"I use the vehicle of science as my primary teaching ‘tool’ because I feel that it is the golden mean for learning. Through science, students can explore their universe as well as their own creativity, and that in turn gets them excited about thinking and learning."

In addition to teaching, Bosseler coordinates the school’s GLOBE (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment) Program and Life Lab garden.

Founded by Vice President Al Gore, GLOBE helps improve students’ understanding of the global environment while at the same time helping to build their math and science skills. The Life Lab is an organic garden that allows students to plant, maintain and harvest their own vegetables, herbs and flowers.

In addition to teaching at Palmetto, Bosseler is an adjunct professor in Barry University’s School of Education, and has served as a consultant for Miami-Dade County’s Urban Systemic Initiative to integrate science and mathematics education.

When Vice President Gore discovered that he would not be able to meet with Bosseler while she was in Washington, he made a personal call to her.